Autorickshaw drivers, who are much maligned in Delhi, are themselves the victims of horrendous corruption at the hands of touts masquarading as (self-appointed) leaders of phoney unions (see right), corrupt transport department officials and extortionist auto finance mafia.

Until we came in their midst in 2002 (phase I) and then again in mid-2006 (phase II), they had no organization to voice their issues. They have no social insurance against accidents, ailments, thefts, etc. Once they cross the age of 60, they are not even normally allowed to live off autorickshaws. Their rickety three-wheeled vehicle costs 6,00,000 rupees (August 2011).

This has to change. They provide an essential service upon which depends not just our need for transportation but the reputation of Delhi as a city of international standing. Autorickshaw and taxi drivers are seen as the ambassadors of a city’s ethos. We ought to ensure that we put our best face forward.

The destiny of Delhi’s educated class is closely linked to the destiny of their poor brethren. One section cannot grow beyond a limit to the exclusion or isolation of the other. The time is now to take concrete action towards making everyone a partner in the progress of the city and the nation. The time is now to bring up the downtrodden so that we may enjoy more evenly progress and a more beautiful society. Unless that is done, the “victims of progress” will continue to manifest their anger in the form of poor delivery of services such as autorickshaws. Nobody wants that! Nobody can afford that! Nobody should be allowed to let that happen any longer!

Therefore, we have conceived a series of plans and programmes which will primarily benefit autorickshaw drivers, but which will also be of use to other poorer sections of society.